2012 Best Beach Winners

After over 1,200 votes, Lahaina Beach, Maui, was named Viewers' Choice: Best Overall Beach. Commenters like Garuga, OH, agreed, "It's the most beautiful place in the world."9601280

After over 1,200 votes, Lahaina Beach, Maui, was named Viewers' Choice: Best Overall Beach. Commenters like Garuga, OH, agreed, "It's the most beautiful place in the world."

Ron Chapple studios

Best Party Beach: Paradise Island, Bahamas Five miles long and less than 1 mile wide, Paradise Island is a mecca for nightlife mostly thanks to mega-resort Atlantis Paradise Island's clubs and casinos.9601280

Best Party Beach: Paradise Island, Bahamas Five miles long and less than 1 mile wide, Paradise Island is a mecca for nightlife mostly thanks to mega-resort Atlantis Paradise Island's clubs and casinos.

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Best Family Beach: Cape May, New Jersey Jersey's most historic beach also has a wholesome atmosphere and pristine beaches ideal for kids.9601280

Best Family Beach: Cape May, New Jersey Jersey's most historic beach also has a wholesome atmosphere and pristine beaches ideal for kids.

Thinkstock

Best Romantic Beach: Matira Beach, Bora Bora, TahitiThere are a number of reasons why Bora Bora boasts the nickname "the Romantic Island," including the secluded beaches, intimate hotels and quiet atmosphere that embraces visitors in Matira.9601280

Best Romantic Beach: Matira Beach, Bora Bora, TahitiThere are a number of reasons why Bora Bora boasts the nickname "the Romantic Island," including the secluded beaches, intimate hotels and quiet atmosphere that embraces visitors in Matira.

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Sexiest Beach: Copacabana Beach, Rio, Brazil Rio is the hot spot for some of the sexiest sunbathers in the world and home to Copacabana Beach, the world's most famous beach.9601280

Sexiest Beach: Copacabana Beach, Rio, Brazil Rio is the hot spot for some of the sexiest sunbathers in the world and home to Copacabana Beach, the world's most famous beach.

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Best Beach Bars: Tropicana Beach Bar, Mykonos, Greece The Tropicana Beach Bar sits on Paradise Beach and throws the greatest early-evening beach parties. A hot spot for young people, the drinks flow from early morning until long past sunset.9601280

Best Beach Bars: Tropicana Beach Bar, Mykonos, Greece The Tropicana Beach Bar sits on Paradise Beach and throws the greatest early-evening beach parties. A hot spot for young people, the drinks flow from early morning until long past sunset.

Tropicana Beach Bar

Best Beach You Haven't Heard of Yet: Llandudno Beach, South AfricaIs seclusion your idea of paradise? Then welcome to Llandudno, a cliffside resort near Cape Town, South Africa, so tucked away you’ll find nary a shop or street light in view.9601280

Best Beach You Haven't Heard of Yet: Llandudno Beach, South AfricaIs seclusion your idea of paradise? Then welcome to Llandudno, a cliffside resort near Cape Town, South Africa, so tucked away you’ll find nary a shop or street light in view.

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Best Beach for Adventure: Cave Diving in Whangarei, New ZealandThe Waitomo Glowworm Caves are an exciting playground for thrill seekers and nature lovers.9601280

Best Beach for Adventure: Cave Diving in Whangarei, New ZealandThe Waitomo Glowworm Caves are an exciting playground for thrill seekers and nature lovers.

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Best Exotic Beach: Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles Not only did the Royal Couple honeymoon in the Seychelles but Anse Source d'Argent manages to be tropical, homey, understated and classy all at once.9601280

Best Exotic Beach: Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles Not only did the Royal Couple honeymoon in the Seychelles but Anse Source d'Argent manages to be tropical, homey, understated and classy all at once.

10. Best Beach Boardwalk: Ocean City, MDWith boardwalk fries, its famous Grotto pizza and all the shops and rides expected of a great boardwalk, it's easy to see why Ocean City, Maryland topped our picks.9601280

10. Best Beach Boardwalk: Ocean City, MDWith boardwalk fries, its famous Grotto pizza and all the shops and rides expected of a great boardwalk, it's easy to see why Ocean City, Maryland topped our picks.

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Best Exotic Beach: Tavarua, Fiji

There are not many beaches in the world that offer as diverse and incredible experience as Fiji's tropical paradise of Tavarua. "You can dive, fish, snorkel, and surf in the crystal clear seas surrounding the vibrant coral reefs teeming with sea life," says Alison Teal, host of Alison's Adventures. "As an avid surfer, it's a dream come true to sit along the white sandy beach and then head out into a world-class surf break. The moment that sealed my love affair with this place is when I saw it from the sky: The island is shaped perfectly like a heart."9601280

There are not many beaches in the world that offer as diverse and incredible experience as Fiji's tropical paradise of Tavarua. "You can dive, fish, snorkel, and surf in the crystal clear seas surrounding the vibrant coral reefs teeming with sea life," says Alison Teal, host of Alison's Adventures. "As an avid surfer, it's a dream come true to sit along the white sandy beach and then head out into a world-class surf break. The moment that sealed my love affair with this place is when I saw it from the sky: The island is shaped perfectly like a heart."

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Sexiest Beach: White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands

Sexiest Beach: White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands

According to Beach Tomato co-founder Tom Marchant, White Bay's secluded half-mile stretch of beach has the ideal balance of undisturbed white sand and turquoise sea at one end and secluded caves where you can watch the sun go down (with mouthwatering cocktail in hand) at the other. "Head down to the Soggy Dollar bar at night to stargaze with your loved one before retiring for the night in one of the islands stunning hotels," Marchant says. "What more could you want?" 9601280

According to Beach Tomato co-founder Tom Marchant, White Bay's secluded half-mile stretch of beach has the ideal balance of undisturbed white sand and turquoise sea at one end and secluded caves where you can watch the sun go down (with mouthwatering cocktail in hand) at the other. "Head down to the Soggy Dollar bar at night to stargaze with your loved one before retiring for the night in one of the islands stunning hotels," Marchant says. "What more could you want?"

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Best Family Beach: Clearwater Beach, FL

Best Family Beach: Clearwater Beach, FL

"The sand at Clearwater Beach is as soft as baby powder, and the gradual slope to the warm Gulf water makes it an ideal beach for babies and toddlers" according to Have Baby Will Travel founder Corrine McDermott. "Parents will love the shaded jungle gym, as well as full facilities and a snack bar with healthy options." The Gulf Coast beach has many accommodation, food, and public transportation options, appealing to many families' tastes and vacation budgets.9601280

"The sand at Clearwater Beach is as soft as baby powder, and the gradual slope to the warm Gulf water makes it an ideal beach for babies and toddlers" according to Have Baby Will Travel founder Corrine McDermott. "Parents will love the shaded jungle gym, as well as full facilities and a snack bar with healthy options." The Gulf Coast beach has many accommodation, food, and public transportation options, appealing to many families' tastes and vacation budgets.

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Best Party Beach: Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Best Party Beach: Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazil's Maracanã Stadium will be center stage for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but the real party is on Ipanema Beach, where there’s always a steady stream of vendors selling beer and Cachaça. "Rio has already revamped Post 9 (the area right off Rua Vinícius de Moraes) with a new look, new changing facilities, lockers for surfboards, and showers." says managing producer Kwin Mosby. Watch Cariocas -- Rio natives -- play volleyball, foot volley, soccer or surf. Mosby adds, "After the sun goes down, eat at the popular churrascaria Porcao and go bar hopping at some of the best nightspots in the world like the exclusive Baronneti nightclub."9601280

Brazil's Maracanã Stadium will be center stage for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but the real party is on Ipanema Beach, where there’s always a steady stream of vendors selling beer and Cachaça. "Rio has already revamped Post 9 (the area right off Rua Vinícius de Moraes) with a new look, new changing facilities, lockers for surfboards, and showers." says managing producer Kwin Mosby. Watch Cariocas -- Rio natives -- play volleyball, foot volley, soccer or surf. Mosby adds, "After the sun goes down, eat at the popular churrascaria Porcao and go bar hopping at some of the best nightspots in the world like the exclusive Baronneti nightclub."

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Best Romantic Beach: The Maldives

Best Romantic Beach: The Maldives

Startlingly turquoise seas and shimmering white sands ring the islands comprising the Maldives archipelago, a chain of 26 atolls, or rings, in the Indian Ocean. "These postcard-perfect isles are home to ultra-exclusive resorts, where long stretches of private beach unfold before sprinklings of overwater bungalows complete with private decks and outdoor showers," says travel writer Valerie Conners. "Let romance kindle while enjoying sunset strolls, snorkeling exquisite coral reefs and lounging -- cocktail in hand -- under thatched umbrellas in paradise."9601280

Startlingly turquoise seas and shimmering white sands ring the islands comprising the Maldives archipelago, a chain of 26 atolls, or rings, in the Indian Ocean. "These postcard-perfect isles are home to ultra-exclusive resorts, where long stretches of private beach unfold before sprinklings of overwater bungalows complete with private decks and outdoor showers," says travel writer Valerie Conners. "Let romance kindle while enjoying sunset strolls, snorkeling exquisite coral reefs and lounging -- cocktail in hand -- under thatched umbrellas in paradise."

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Best Beach for Adventure: Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu, CA

Best Beach for Adventure: Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu, CA

"For surfers, the 1.5-mile stretch of rocky coastline creates the perfect point break with slow rolling lines good for longboarders and an outside takeoff for shortboarders," says Cali local and our resident beach host Marianela. One of the few beaches boasting both wind and waves depending on the weather, Leo Carrillo attracts kite and windsurfers, as well as kayakers and stand up paddle boarders. An array of marine life lurk in hidden caves and tidal pools. "There are also tons of challenging trails offering wonderful ocean overlooks," Marianela adds. "I've seen many brave souls bike the trails hugging the steep cliffs and others scaling down the rocks to climb out onto the staggering bluffs." 9601280

"For surfers, the 1.5-mile stretch of rocky coastline creates the perfect point break with slow rolling lines good for longboarders and an outside takeoff for shortboarders," says Cali local and our resident beach host Marianela. One of the few beaches boasting both wind and waves depending on the weather, Leo Carrillo attracts kite and windsurfers, as well as kayakers and stand up paddle boarders. An array of marine life lurk in hidden caves and tidal pools. "There are also tons of challenging trails offering wonderful ocean overlooks," Marianela adds. "I've seen many brave souls bike the trails hugging the steep cliffs and others scaling down the rocks to climb out onto the staggering bluffs."

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Best Beach Bars: Rick's Cafe, Negril, Jamaica

Best Beach Bars: Rick's Cafe, Negril, Jamaica

A Jamaican mainstay since 1974, Rick's Cafe, nestled in Negril's West End Cliffs, takes this title for the second year in a row, as it's much more than your average beachfront watering hole. For the price of a refreshing Jamaican beer, you'll witness an unrivaled view of the sunset and some unforgettable entertainment. "Don't miss the locals launching themselves from 30-foot-high cliffs into the water below" says interactive producer Ben Breslerman. "And if you're feeling really adventurous, go ahead and take the dive for yourself … Just be safe!"9601280

A Jamaican mainstay since 1974, Rick's Cafe, nestled in Negril's West End Cliffs, takes this title for the second year in a row, as it's much more than your average beachfront watering hole. For the price of a refreshing Jamaican beer, you'll witness an unrivaled view of the sunset and some unforgettable entertainment. "Don't miss the locals launching themselves from 30-foot-high cliffs into the water below" says interactive producer Ben Breslerman. "And if you're feeling really adventurous, go ahead and take the dive for yourself … Just be safe!"

Chris Ford, flickr

Best Unusual Beach: Vik, Iceland

Best Unusual Beach: Vik, Iceland

Stunning beaches aren’t only in the tropics. "Driving through Iceland, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I first saw the beach at Vík, a small village at the southernmost tip" says interactive producer Kathleen Rellihan. "Black volcanic sand covered with ice and snow with the legendary “troll” rock formations jetting out from the sea -- I have never seen a beach so jaw-dropping beautiful in my life.” Vík is only 110 miles from Reykjavik, so it makes for a perfect stop on a road trip along Iceland's Ring Road. You'll have plenty of other reasons to stop your car along the way — such as seeing the volcanic Lake Myvatn.9601280

Stunning beaches aren’t only in the tropics. "Driving through Iceland, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I first saw the beach at Vík, a small village at the southernmost tip" says interactive producer Kathleen Rellihan. "Black volcanic sand covered with ice and snow with the legendary “troll” rock formations jetting out from the sea -- I have never seen a beach so jaw-dropping beautiful in my life.” Vík is only 110 miles from Reykjavik, so it makes for a perfect stop on a road trip along Iceland's Ring Road. You'll have plenty of other reasons to stop your car along the way — such as seeing the volcanic Lake Myvatn.

This off-the-beaten-path beach park located in Charlotte County on the Southwest coast of Florida is only accessible by private boat or ferry -- but once you've made the trip you're in for a treat, according to Dr. Beach. The island beach is a mile of fine, white sand adorned with a plethora of shells and black petrified shark teeth! In addition to beachcombing, Don Pedro is a great place for swimming in the clear, clean waters, and for fishing both on the island itself and the park's mainland. "I recommend that you bring your kayak or canoe for the trip across the bay and to explore the mangrove tunnels," Dr. Beach adds, "keep your eyes peeled for manatees, oystercatchers and bald eagles."9601280

This off-the-beaten-path beach park located in Charlotte County on the Southwest coast of Florida is only accessible by private boat or ferry -- but once you've made the trip you're in for a treat, according to Dr. Beach. The island beach is a mile of fine, white sand adorned with a plethora of shells and black petrified shark teeth! In addition to beachcombing, Don Pedro is a great place for swimming in the clear, clean waters, and for fishing both on the island itself and the park's mainland. "I recommend that you bring your kayak or canoe for the trip across the bay and to explore the mangrove tunnels," Dr. Beach adds, "keep your eyes peeled for manatees, oystercatchers and bald eagles."

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Best Beach Boardwalks: Atlantic City Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ

Best Beach Boardwalks: Atlantic City Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ

Still standing after Superstorm Sandy, there's never been a better time to visit the Atlantic City Boardwalk, America's first boardwalk and the home of Miss America, according to senior interactive producer Sara Gilliam. "For a mix of old and new, take a ride in an iconic rolling chair while snacking on salt water taffy and people watching, indulge in some high-end shopping at Louis Vuitton or Gucci at The Pier Shops at Caesars, and splurge on a night out at one of the city's spectacular casinos or see some of the world's top entertainers perform at Boardwalk Hall," Gilliam says. Families with kids of all ages will find endless amusement at the Steel Pier across from the Trump Taj Mahal.9601280

Still standing after Superstorm Sandy, there's never been a better time to visit the Atlantic City Boardwalk, America's first boardwalk and the home of Miss America, according to senior interactive producer Sara Gilliam. "For a mix of old and new, take a ride in an iconic rolling chair while snacking on salt water taffy and people watching, indulge in some high-end shopping at Louis Vuitton or Gucci at The Pier Shops at Caesars, and splurge on a night out at one of the city's spectacular casinos or see some of the world's top entertainers perform at Boardwalk Hall," Gilliam says. Families with kids of all ages will find endless amusement at the Steel Pier across from the Trump Taj Mahal.

iStock

Best Overall Beach: Clearwater Beach, FL

Best Overall Beach: Clearwater Beach, FL

We asked you to weigh in on our expert picks and determine the Best Overall Beach. Travel Channel fans voted and chose Clearwater Beach, FL, as their fan favorite, lauding its "laid-back family atmosphere," blue waters and "snow white sand."9601280

We asked you to weigh in on our expert picks and determine the Best Overall Beach. Travel Channel fans voted and chose Clearwater Beach, FL, as their fan favorite, lauding its "laid-back family atmosphere," blue waters and "snow white sand."

Best Party Beach: South Beach, Miami, Florida

With over 56% of the vote, this best party beach was no contest. An international playground, South Beach is known for its delicious Cuban food, funky Art Deco architecture, pristine beaches and rowdy Ocean Drive nightlife.9601280

With over 56% of the vote, this best party beach was no contest. An international playground, South Beach is known for its delicious Cuban food, funky Art Deco architecture, pristine beaches and rowdy Ocean Drive nightlife.

Paul Giamou

Best Family Beach: Destin, Florida

Best Family Beach: Destin, Florida

Viewers raved about Destin, FL. Diana from Texas calls it a wonderful beach with great people, lots to do and great family accommodations. She wrote, "You can't beat this place for a family vacation. I promise!!"9601280

Viewers raved about Destin, FL. Diana from Texas calls it a wonderful beach with great people, lots to do and great family accommodations. She wrote, "You can't beat this place for a family vacation. I promise!!"

Cavan Images

Best Romantic Beach: Matira Beach, Bora Bora, Tahiti

Best Romantic Beach: Matira Beach, Bora Bora, Tahiti

For the second year in a row, Bora Bora takes the honor thanks to the secluded stretch of white sand at Matira Point, romantic resorts and candle-lit ambiance.9601280

For the second year in a row, Bora Bora takes the honor thanks to the secluded stretch of white sand at Matira Point, romantic resorts and candle-lit ambiance.

Martin Valigursky

Sexiest Beach: Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Sexiest Beach: Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

With the upcoming World Cup and Summer Olympics, Rio de Janeiro is already spiking as a hot travel destination in 2013. And yes, people are still flocking to the beach to encounter someone "tall and tan and young and lovely" 50 years after "The Girl from Ipanema" was released.9601280

With the upcoming World Cup and Summer Olympics, Rio de Janeiro is already spiking as a hot travel destination in 2013. And yes, people are still flocking to the beach to encounter someone "tall and tan and young and lovely" 50 years after "The Girl from Ipanema" was released.

Brooke Slezak

Best Beach Bar: Rick's Cafe, Negril, Jamaica

Best Beach Bar: Rick's Cafe, Negril, Jamaica

What's the best thing about Rick's? The delicious drinks here face stiff competition from the dramatic cliff divers and spectacular sunsets. 9601280

What's the best thing about Rick's? The delicious drinks here face stiff competition from the dramatic cliff divers and spectacular sunsets.

Doug Pearson

Best Beach You Haven't Heard of ... Yet: Nevis, Caribbean

Best Beach You Haven't Heard of ... Yet: Nevis, Caribbean

Most people aren't familiar with the island of Nevis, and Magnon from Texas hopes it stays that way, writing "Let's hope that it stays somewhat obscure so that crowds don't invade this Caribbean paradise." Sorry for letting everyone in on this secret oasis.9601280

Most people aren't familiar with the island of Nevis, and Magnon from Texas hopes it stays that way, writing "Let's hope that it stays somewhat obscure so that crowds don't invade this Caribbean paradise." Sorry for letting everyone in on this secret oasis.

Danita Delimont

Best Beach for Adventure: Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, Oahu

Best Beach for Adventure: Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, Oahu

Formerly the mouth of a volcano crater, Hawaii's famous snorkeling spot is teaming with schools of rainbow-colored fish in the bay's shallow water.9601280

Formerly the mouth of a volcano crater, Hawaii's famous snorkeling spot is teaming with schools of rainbow-colored fish in the bay's shallow water.

Yuki Matsukura, flickr

Best Exotic Beach: Mustique, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Best Exotic Beach: Mustique, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

With the narrowest margin, Mustique edged out Fiji as the best exotic beach. Perhaps it was the royal couple effect? Kate and Will "babymooned" there, and their romantic honeymoon destination in the Seychelles won last year.9601280

With the narrowest margin, Mustique edged out Fiji as the best exotic beach. Perhaps it was the royal couple effect? Kate and Will "babymooned" there, and their romantic honeymoon destination in the Seychelles won last year.

Marian Pentek

Best Beach Boardwalks: Venice Beach, California

Best Beach Boardwalks: Venice Beach, California

Our viewers, as well as our resident beach expert Marianela, were taken with the eclectic vibe of the Venice Beach boardwalk.9601280

Our viewers, as well as our resident beach expert Marianela, were taken with the eclectic vibe of the Venice Beach boardwalk.

Best Overall Beach: Matira Beach, Bora Bora, Tahiti

Best Overall Beach: Matira Beach, Bora Bora, Tahiti

As Sal from Nevada said, Bora Bora could win on looks alone. This little piece of heaven is just 18 miles long, but it lives up to its nickname, "the Romantic Island" – it’s won best romantic beach 2 years in a row.9601280

As Sal from Nevada said, Bora Bora could win on looks alone. This little piece of heaven is just 18 miles long, but it lives up to its nickname, "the Romantic Island" – it’s won best romantic beach 2 years in a row.